China Takes Charge in Global Robotics Boom, India Surprises with Growth

Ksiusha Johansson -

The unveiling of the “World Robotics Report 2025” on September 25th by the International Federation of Robotics reveals transformative trends in the global robotics landscape. The report, a defining touchstone for robotics enthusiasts and industry experts alike, highlights China’s unprecedented dominance and a surprising surge from India, fundamentally altering traditional market dynamics.

Global Industrial Robotics Surge

Over the last decade, the global industrial robotics market has surged phenomenally. Installation figures ascended from 221,000 units in 2014 to 542,000 units in 2024, indicating a twofold escalation. This boom has broadened application scopes, notably as the general industry has buoyed robotics demand amid significant declines in automotive sector needs. While industrial automation marches onward, collaborative robots have quietly carved out their niche, maintaining double-digit growth to reach prominence in production lines.

China: The Uncontested Leader

China spearheads the industrial robot deployment, capturing an imposing 54% of the global market with 295,000 units as of 2024. The country’s internal robotics appetite has shifted, as domestic brands now surpass foreign competitors, clinching over half the market share. Industrial robots in the electrical/electronics sector soared in deployment, reflecting diversified technological embrace and situational adaptation in various industries.

Dips in Traditional Powerhouses

Contrasting China’s escalation, stalwarts like Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Germany experienced marked declines. With Japan witnessing a 4% drop and the US staying just afloat, these traditional giants scramble for revitalization as the automotive and electronics sectors languish. Germany persists as Europe’s top market, yet faces challenges reflective of broader continental trends.

India’s Ascendant Profile

As these major players contend with downturns, India emerges as a surprising challenger to the established hierarchy. The country’s automotive-driven resurgence has elevated it to the sixth in global rankings. As stated in 36Kr, India’s encouraging stance presages broader regional shifts poised to reform Asia’s industrial milieu.

The “World Robotics Report 2025” canvasses optimism, predicting continued installation growth by 6% in 2025 and a breakthrough of 700,000 units by 2028. As industries diversify, the merger of automation with digital transformation heralds a new era, with China and emerging markets like India potentially shaping the future narrative in unprecedented ways.

The strides made by emerging markets suggest a reimagined map of industrial robotics that promises innovation, competition, and diversification as mainstays of the global robotics future.

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